ANOTHER manufacturing plant looks set to shut down.

Imerys has confirmed it could close its industrial site in Lostock.

This follows the news that neighbouring firm, TATA Chemicals Europe, is set to cease operation at its Lostock plant.

An Imerys spokesperson said: “Due to reasons outside of our control, regretfully we are in a position where we need to review the future of our operations at our Lostock site - this could include its potential closure.

“We will begin consultation with affected colleagues and trade unions immediately.

“We are committed to exploring all opportunities for employees to secure alternative positions within the Imerys group.

“Tailored outplacement support will be available to all those affected in the event of redundancies.

“We very much regret that it is necessary to enter into this consultation, and we will do everything we can to support colleagues during this challenging time.”

Tata's soda ash plant in LostockTATA's soda ash plant in Lostock (Image: Google Maps)

The Lostock Imerys site opened in 1952 and produces precipitated calcium carbonates which are used in a variety of industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.

Up to 40 members of staff could be impacted by the potential closure.

On Tuesday (November 12) Tata announced it is planning to shut down the ‘loss-making’ soda ash plant in Lostock by January 2025, putting around 70 jobs at stake.

Alongside this the company will be spending £60 million on a new sodium bicarbonate production plant in Winnington, expected to become operational in 2027.

Cheshire West and Chester councillor Sam Naylor said: “It’s a sad day in terms of employment but hopefully the company will do all they can to ease the process for what is going to be some very disappointed workers.

“This would appear to be a totally unprofitable site, a fairly old site, and they’re competing in a market where it is costing the company millions a year to keep an uneconomic process going.

“What Tata have got to do now is pull out all the stops in providing decent redundancy packages and then working with people like CWAC to ensure that they can try source jobs for the redundant workers.

“I welcome the investment at Winnington, albeit that’s not going to produce a lot of new jobs.”

Tata’s impending closure could also affect neighbouring INEOS Inovyn, who supply the plant with brine.

A spokesperson said: “We are working closely with Tata Chemicals Europe to ensure that the impact of Tata's decision on INEOS Inovyn’s operations is minimised.”